ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Super League (PSL) team Islamabad United’s all-rounder Faheem Ashraf feels that overcoming the fear of failure is one of the key reasons for his success.
In an exclusive chat with Geo News, Faheem said that when a player is empowered to play his natural game the way he wants then it is very much likely that his performance will produce great results for the team.
“In United’s squad, we are not afraid of losing a match, we don’t think about any consequences of losing a match, we are only focused on winning – nothing else,” Faheem said.
“When you think about things like what will happen if I am not successful then it will not allow you to try new things or adopt anything out of box which could have helped you,” the all-rounder said.
Islamabad United is the only team to win PSL twice and the franchise is known for an aggressive brand of cricket.
However, Faheem says that the team plays “aggressive and smart cricket”.
“The captain and the team management has told us to express ourselves in our natural way and when you have such freedom to express yourself, you feel confident while playing your game,” Faheem added.
United is currently placed at third position on points table with eight points from six games and they play Quetta Gladiators on Sunday. Gladiators are currently at bottom of the table.
Faheem has warned against complacency in match against Quetta saying that Gladiators are capable of fighting back and they can’t take Sarfaraz Ahmed’s side lightly.
Talking about his teammate Azam Khan, Faheem said that it’s a blessing that he is sharing dressing room with him as it saves him from bowling to the aggressive batter in a match.
“I am glad that I don’t have to do bowling against him. He is in superb form. It is a treat to watch him bat when you’re at other end or sitting in dugout,” he said.
Replying to a question, Faheem said that he aims to make a comeback in Pakistan team through his performance in the PSL.
Talking about his innings of 41-off-32 against Karachi Kings on Friday, Faheem said that it was team’s requirement and he adopted the strategy which is against his own nature.
“I usually prefer to opt for scoring 60 or 70 when I face 30 deliveries but it was my team’s requirement so I had to play according to that plan, I am glad that I was able to contribute in my team’s success,” he concluded.
Faizan Lakhani Faizan Lakhani is Deputy Editor (Sports) at Geo News.